Elder Abuse Ontario - www.elderabuseontario.comIn Ontario, there are a number of Programs and Services available to help to seniors (their families and caregivers) who are experiencing or at-risk of elder abuse. Agencies can provide options and support in helping to resolve abusive situations. Listed below, are but a few provincial organizations, that provide information and referrals to agencies which can provide further assistance, specific to the area in which you reside.

Seniors Safety Line (SSL)

The SSL provides contact and referral information for local agencies across the province that can assist in cases of elder abuse. Trained counsellors also provide safety planning and supportive counseling for older adults who are being abused or at-risk of abuse. Family members and service providers can also call for information about community services.Seniors Safety Line: 1-866-299-1011 FREE

The London and District Distress Centre - Seniors Help LineThe Senior’s HelpLine is a free, confidential and non judgemental, 24 hour-a-day, 365 days a year telephone support for seniors and people who care for them. Telephone: 519-667-6600Website

211

Call 211 if you have a concern about a situation of inappropriate or abusive behaviour affecting the well-being of an older person. All information you may share will be kept confidential.

You can also call or visit the 211 Ontario website for general information, referral, and support to seniors and others for all programs and service in Ontario. It is a place anyone can call for information.

Assaulted Women’s Helpline (AWHL)

Assaulted Women’s Helpline provides a free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse.AWHL provides crisis counselling, safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals accessible 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

ConnexOntarioConnexOntario provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling. We are funded by the Government of Ontario. ConnexOntario operates three helplines:

Crime StoppersCrime Stoppers is a civilian, non-profit, charitable organization that brings together the police services of a community, the media and the community in the fight against crime. For the closest Crime Stopper Program to you. You will remain anonymous. You do not appear in court.

Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA)

The RHRA is a not-for-profit organization that oversees retirement homes to make sure the law is being followed. RHRA staff process retirement home licence applications, respond to calls about harm to retirement home residents, and inspect retirement homes to make sure they meet the law’s standards. If you see or suspect harm or risk of harm to a resident resulting from: improper or incompetent treatment or care, abuse of a resident by anyone or neglect of a resident by staff of the retirement home, unlawful conduct, misuse or misappropriation of a resident’s money, you *must* report it to the Registrar of the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority, along with any other relevant information.

Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) OPGT is responsible for protecting mentally incapable people; other responsibilities include protecting the public’s interest in charities, searching for heirs, investing perpetual care funds, and dealing with dissolved corporations.

In cases of financial or personal abuse, the OPGT can apply to the court to become the abused senior’s guardian on a temporary basis. The OPGT can also help the person get access to other services. They can intervene only if the person is believed to be mentally incapable and is at risk of harm or experiencing harm. There must be evidence/reason to believe that the person is incapable before the OPGT will investigate.

Legal Aid OntarioLegal Aid Ontario provides legal assistance for low-income people. Services include: legal representation for eligible clients who appear in court without a lawyer; legal aid applications and information over the phone; legal resources and referrals to other social assistance agencies; and a certificate program for complex and serious cases. Get legal aid help in over 200 languages.

Advocacy Centre for the ElderlyAdvocacy Centre for the Elderly is a community based legal clinic for low income senior citizens. ACE provides direct legal services to lowincome seniors, public legal education, and engages in law reform activities. ACE services and activities are in relation to areas of law of special importance to the seniors' population.

Law Society Referral Service (LSRS) Law Society Referral Service will provide you with the name of a lawyer or licensed paralegal who will provide a free consultation of up to 30 minutes to help you determine your rights and options.